GREAT BRITAIN: The Simple Truth

"Mr. Thorneycroft," gruffed the deeply Scottish accent of the Speaker, and silence descended on the House of Commons. From the third bench below the gangway on the government side, traditionally the place taken by a retiring minister, rose the tall man whose resignation as Chancellor of the Exchequer 2½ weeks before had precipitated the debate. Without rhetoric, flourish or grandiose phrase, Peter Thorneycroft explained the realities behind his refusal to increase government spending this year by "less than 1%." In doing so, he cut through years of polemics and political obfuscations to...

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